Texas freshman starting pitcher Parker French will miss the remainder of the season after he suffered a stress fracture in his elbow last Friday against Missouri. He will be able to resume throwing in two months.

French has proven to be a key member of the starting rotation for the Longhorns showing maturity beyond his freshman status, and recently took the Friday starter role for the team. He is 6-2 with a 2.84 ERA on the year and has used an effective sinker to keep opposing batters on their toes all season long.

French’s absence creates a hole in the starting staff that will be a tough one to fill, as they were already short a consistent starter for the No. 3 spot on the staff before his injury. Freshman John Curtiss and Rickey Jacquez are the most likely candidates to replace French in the rotation.

Another possibility is moving closer Corey Knebal into the rotation, something he has expressed interest in doing in the past. Though, Augie Garrido and his coaching staff are hesitant to do so, as it would make the back end of the bullpen vulnerable.

No matter who the Longhorns choose to move into the rotation, the injury to French is a big blow to their Big 12 hopes and their NCAA tournament aspirations.